If
the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the
acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule
because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g), check the following boxo

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original
and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other
parties to whom copies are to be sent.

*
The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for
any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided
in a prior cover page.

The
information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be
“filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be
subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 2 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd.

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

WC

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Cayman Islands

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER8,017,608

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER8,017,608

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

8,017,608

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

5.61%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

CO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 3 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager,
L.L.C.

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER8,017,608

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER8,017,608

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

8,017,608

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

5.61%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

OO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 4 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

HMC Investors, L.L.C.

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER8,017,608

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER8,017,608

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

8,017,608

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

5.61%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

OO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 5 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P.

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

WC

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER6,232,392

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER6,232,392

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

6,232,392

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

4.36%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

PN

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 6 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER6,232,392

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER6,232,392

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

6,232,392

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

4.36%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

OO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 7 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

HMC - New York, Inc.

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

New York

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER6,232,392

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER6,232,392

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

6,232,392

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

4.36%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

CO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 8 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Harbert Management Corporation

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Alabama

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED VOTING
POWER14,250,000

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER14,250,000

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

14,250,000

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

9.96%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

CO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 9 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Philip Falcone

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

U.S.A.

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER14,250,000

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER14,250,000

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

14,250,000

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

9.96%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

IN

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 10 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Raymond J. Harbert

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

U.S.A.

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER14,250,000

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER14,250,000

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

14,250,000

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

9.96%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

IN

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 11 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Michael D. Luce

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

U.S.A.

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER14,250,000

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER14,250,000

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

14,250,000

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

9.96%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

IN

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 12 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Harbinger Capital Partners NY, LLC

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

OO

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER10,599,717

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE
POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER10,599,717

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

10,599,717

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

7.41%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

OO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 13 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Firebrand Investments, LLC

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

OO

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER0

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER0

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

0

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

Less than 1%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

OO

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 14 of 24

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

Scott Galloway

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)

o

(b)

x

3

SEC USE ONLY

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

o

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

U.S.A.

NUMBER OFSHARESBENEFICIALLYOWNED BYEACHREPORTINGPERSON

7 SOLE VOTING
POWER0

8 SHARED
VOTING POWER0

9 SOLE
DISPOSITIVE POWER0

10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE
POWER0

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
PERSON

0

12

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES

o

13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW
(11)

Less than 1%

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

IN

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 15 of 24

Item 1. Security and Issuer.

This Schedule 13D is being filed by the undersigned with respect to the
Class A Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share (the “Shares”), of The New
York Times Company, a New York corporation (the “Issuer”). The address of
the Issuer is 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018.

Item 2. Identity and Background.

(a-c, f) This Schedule 13D is being filed by Harbinger Capital Partners
Master Fund I, Ltd. (the “Master Fund”), an investment fund and a holder of
membership interests in Harbinger NY (as defined below), Harbinger Capital Partners
Offshore Manager, L.L.C. (“Harbinger Manager”), the investment manager of
the Master Fund, HMC Investors, L.L.C., its managing member (“HMC
Investors”), Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (the
“Special Fund”), an investment fund and a holder of membership interests in
Harbinger NY (as defined below), Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC,
the general partner of the Special Fund (“HCPSS”), HMC - New York, Inc.,
the managing member of HCPSS (“HMCNY”), Harbert Management Corporation
(“HMC”), the managing member of HMC Investors and the parent of HMCNY,
Philip Falcone, a shareholder of HMC and the portfolio manager of the Master Fund and
the Special Fund, Raymond J. Harbert, a shareholder of HMC, Michael D. Luce, a
shareholder of HMC, Harbinger Capital Partners NY, LLC (formerly Firebrand/Harbinger,
LLC) (“Harbinger NY”), an investment fund, Firebrand Investments, LLC
(“Firebrand”), an investment fund and a holder of membership interests in
Harbinger NY, and Scott Galloway, a Clinical Associate Professor at the New York
University Stern School of Business and the sole member and manager of Firebrand (each
of the Master Fund, Harbinger Manager, HMC Investors, the Special Fund, HCPSS, HMCNY,
HMC, Harbinger NY, Firebrand and Messrs. Falcone, Harbert, Luce and Galloway, a
“Reporting Person”, and collectively, the “Reporting
Persons”).

The Master Fund is a Cayman Islands corporation with its principal
business address at c/o International Fund Services (Ireland) Limited, Third Floor,
Bishop’s Square, Redmond’s Hill, Dublin 2, Ireland. Each of Harbinger
Manager, HMC Investors and HCPSS is a Delaware limited liability company. The Special
Fund is a Delaware limited partnership. HMC is an Alabama corporation. HMCNY is a New
York corporation. Each of Philip Falcone, Raymond J. Harbert, Michael D. Luce and Scott
Galloway is a United States citizen. The principal business address for each of the
Special Fund, HCPSS, HMCNY and Philip Falcone is 555 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New
York, New York 10022. The principal business address for each of Harbinger Manager, HMC
Investors, HMC, Raymond J. Harbert and Michael D. Luce is One Riverchase Parkway South,
Birmingham, Alabama 35244. Harbinger NY is a Delaware limited liability company with
its principal business address at c/o Harbinger Capital Partners Offshore Manager, LLC,
One Riverchase Parkway South, Birmingham, AL, 35244. Firebrand is a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal business address at c/o Scott Galloway, 210 Little
Noyac Path, Water Mill, New York 11976. The principal business address for
Mr. Galloway is 40 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014.

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other
Consideration.

As of the date hereof the Master Fund may be deemed to beneficially own
8,017,608 Shares.

As of the date hereof Harbinger Manager may be deemed to beneficially
own 8,017,608 Shares.

As of the date hereof HMC Investors may be deemed to beneficially own
8,017,608 Shares.

As of the date hereof the Special Fund may be deemed to beneficially own
6,232,392 Shares.

As of the date hereof HCPSS may be deemed to beneficially own 6,232,392
Shares.

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 16 of 24

As of the date hereof HMCNY may be deemed to beneficially own 6,232,392
Shares.

As of the date hereof HMC may be deemed to beneficially own 14,250,000
Shares.

As of the date hereof Philip Falcone may be deemed to beneficially own
14,250,000 Shares.

As of the date hereof Raymond J. Harbert may be deemed to beneficially
own 14,250,000 Shares.

As of the date hereof Michael D. Luce may be deemed to beneficially own
14,250,000 Shares.

As of the date hereof Harbinger NY may be deemed to beneficially own
10,599,717 Shares.

As of the date hereof Firebrand may be deemed to beneficially own 0
Shares.

As of the date hereof Scott Galloway may be deemed to beneficially own 0
Shares.

No borrowed funds were used to purchase the Shares, other than any
borrowed funds used for working capital purposes in the ordinary course of
business.

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.

On January 25, 2008, the Master Fund and the Special Fund (collectively,
the “HCP Funds”) delivered a notice (the “Notice”) to the
Corporate Secretary of the Issuer to propose the nomination of and nominate for
election to the board of directors of the Issuer at the 2008 annual meeting of
stockholders of the Issuer (the “2008 Annual Meeting”) the following four
individuals: Scott Galloway, James A. Kohlberg, Allen L. Morgan and Gregory Shove
(each, a “Nominee”). As indicated in the Notice, the entire expense of
soliciting proxies in connection with the 2008 Annual Meeting is being borne by
Harbinger NY. Harbinger NY intends to seek reimbursement of the costs of this
solicitation from the Issuer but does not intend to submit the question of
reimbursement to a vote of the Issuer’s security holders. A copy of the Notice is
attached hereto as Exhibit A.

On February 8, 2008, representatives of Firebrand, the HCP Funds and
certain of the Nominees met with representatives of the Issuer. On February 11,
2008, Firebrand delivered to the Issuer a letter, a copy of which is attached as
Exhibit B.

Except as described in this Item 4 and in Item 6 herein, the Reporting
Persons have no present plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the
actions required to be reported herein. However, each Reporting Person expects to
evaluate on an ongoing basis the Issuer’s financial condition and prospects and
its interest in, and intentions with respect to, the Issuer. Accordingly, each
Reporting Person reserves the right to change its intentions and develop plans or
proposals at any time, as it deems appropriate. In particular, each Reporting Person
may at any time and from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or
otherwise, acquire additional securities of the Issuer, including additional Shares;
dispose of all or a portion of the securities of the Issuer, including the Shares, that
the Reporting Persons now own or may hereafter acquire; and/or enter into derivative
transactions with institutional counterparties with respect to the Issuer’s
securities. In addition, the Reporting Persons may engage in discussions with
management, the Board, other stockholders of the Issuer and other relevant parties
concerning the business, operations, board composition, management, strategy and future
plans of the Issuer.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

HARBINGER NY INTENDS TO MAKE A PRELIMINARY FILING WITH THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OF A PROXY STATEMENT AND AN

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 17 of 24

ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD TO BE USED TO SOLICIT PROXIES IN CONNECTION WITH
THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING. SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND
OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FROM STOCKHOLDERS OF THE ISSUER
FOR USE AT THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN
IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN SUCH PROXY
SOLICITATION. WHEN COMPLETED, A DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND A FORM OF PROXY WILL BE
MAILED TO STOCKHOLDERS OF THE ISSUER AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE AT THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION’S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. INFORMATION
RELATING TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN SUCH PROXY SOLICITATION IS CONTAINED IN THE NOTICE
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A AND WILL BE CONTAINED IN SUBSEQUENT FILINGS BY HARBINGER
NY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND IN AMENDMENTS THERETO.

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, the Master Fund, by virtue of its control
over the voting and disposition of the Shares acquired by Harbinger NY with capital
contributed to Harbinger NY by the Master Fund, may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of 8,017,608 Shares, constituting 5.61% of the Shares outstanding of the Issuer,
based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding as of November 4, 2007 by
the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007,
filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Master Fund has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares; has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 8,017,608 Shares; has sole
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 8,017,608 Shares.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, Harbinger Manager may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 8,017,608 Shares (such Shares held by the Master Fund and acquired
by Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by the Master Fund),
constituting 5.61% of the Shares outstanding of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736
Shares stated to be outstanding as of November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the
Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Harbinger Manager has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares; has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 8,017,608 Shares; has sole
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 8,017,608 Shares.

Harbinger Manager specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the
Shares reported herein except to the extent of its pecuniary interest
therein.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, HMC Investors may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 8,017,608 Shares (such Shares held by the Master Fund and acquired
by Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by the Master Fund),
constituting 5.61% of the Shares outstanding of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736
Shares stated to be outstanding as of November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the
Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

HMC Investors has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares;
has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 8,017,608 Shares; has sole power to
dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or
direct the disposition of 8,017,608 Shares.

HMC Investors specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the Shares
reported herein except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein.

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 18 of 24

(a, b) As of the date hereof, the Special Fund, by virtue of its control
over the voting and disposition of the Shares acquired by Harbinger NY with capital
contributed to Harbinger NY by the Special Fund, may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of 6,232,392 Shares, constituting 4.36% of the Shares outstanding of the Issuer,
based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding as of November 4, 2007 by
the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007,
filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Special Fund has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares; has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 6,232,392 Shares; has sole
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 6,232,392 Shares.

The Special Fund specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the
Shares reported herein except to the extent of its pecuniary interest
therein.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, HCPSS may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of 6,232,392 Shares (such Shares held by the Special Fund and acquired by
Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by the Special Fund),
constituting 4.36% of the Shares outstanding of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736
Shares stated to be outstanding as of November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the
Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

HCPSS has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares; has the
shared power to vote or direct the vote of 6,232,392 Shares; has sole power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or direct the
disposition of 6,232,392 Shares.

HCPSS specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the Shares reported
herein except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, HMCNY may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of 6,232,392 Shares (such Shares held by the Special Fund and acquired by
Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by the Special Fund),
constituting 4.36% of the Shares outstanding of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736
Shares stated to be outstanding as of November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the
Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

HMCNY has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares; has the
shared power to vote or direct the vote of 6,232,392 Shares; has sole power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or direct the
disposition of 6,232,392 Shares.

HMCNY specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the Shares reported
herein except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, HMC may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of 14,250,000 Shares (such Shares held by the Master Fund and the Special Fund
and acquired by Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by the Master
Fund and the Special Fund, respectively), constituting 9.96% of the Shares outstanding
of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding as of
November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2007, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

HMC has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares; has the
shared power to vote or direct the vote of 14,250,000 Shares; has sole power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or direct the
disposition of 14,250,000 Shares.

HMC specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the Shares reported
herein except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein.

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 19 of 24

(a, b) As of the date hereof, Philip Falcone may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 14,250,000 Shares (such Shares held by the Master Fund and the
Special Fund and acquired by Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by
the Master Fund and the Special Fund, respectively), constituting 9.96% of the Shares
outstanding of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding
as of November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2007, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

Mr. Falcone has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares; has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 14,250,000 Shares; has sole
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 14,250,000 Shares.

Mr. Falcone specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the
Shares reported herein except to the extent of his pecuniary interest
therein.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, Raymond J. Harbert may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 14,250,000 Shares (such Shares held by the Master Fund and the
Special Fund and acquired by Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by
the Master Fund and the Special Fund, respectively), constituting 9.96% of the Shares
outstanding of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding
as of November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2007, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

Mr. Harbert has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares; has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 14,250,000 Shares; has sole
power to dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose
or direct the disposition of 14,250,000 Shares.

Mr. Harbert specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the
Shares reported herein except to the extent of his pecuniary interest
therein.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, Michael D. Luce may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 14,250,000 Shares (such Shares held by the Master Fund and the
Special Fund and acquired by Harbinger NY with capital contributed to Harbinger NY by
the Master Fund and the Special Fund, respectively), constituting 9.96% of the Shares
outstanding of the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding
as of November 4, 2007 by the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2007, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

Mr. Luce has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares;
has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 14,250,000 Shares; has sole power to
dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or
direct the disposition of 14,250,000 Shares.

Mr. Luce specifically disclaims beneficial ownership in the Shares
reported herein except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, Harbinger NY may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 10,599,717 Shares, constituting 7.41% of the Shares outstanding of
the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding as of November
4, 2007 by the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 2007, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Harbinger NY has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares;
has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 10,599,717 Shares; has sole power to
dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or
direct the disposition of 10,599,717 Shares.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, Firebrand may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 0 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding of
the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding as of November
4, 2007 by the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 2007, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

CUSIP No. 650111107

Page 20 of 24

Firebrand has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares; has
the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares; has sole power to dispose or
direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or direct the
disposition of 0 Shares.

(a, b) As of the date hereof, Scott Galloway may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 0 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding of
the Issuer, based upon the 143,025,736 Shares stated to be outstanding as of November
4, 2007 by the Issuer in the Issuer’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 2007, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Mr. Galloway has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 0
Shares; has the shared power to vote or direct the vote of 0 Shares; has sole power to
dispose or direct the disposition of 0 Shares; and has shared power to dispose or
direct the disposition of 0 Shares.

The description of the LLC Agreement (defined below) contained in Items
6 herein is incorporated by reference.

(c) The trading dates, number of Shares purchased and sold and price per
share for all transactions in the Shares by the Reporting Persons in the past 60 days
are set forth in Exhibit E.

(d) Not applicable.

(e) Not applicable.

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships
with Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

On January 17, 2008, the Master Fund entered into three equity swap
transactions with Monecor (London) Limited (t/a TradIndex) (“TradIndex”)
effective on January 17, 2008, January 28, 2008 and January 29, 2008, respectively,
under which TradIndex agreed to pay the Master Fund an amount equal to any increase,
and the Master Fund agreed to pay TradIndex an amount equal to any decrease, in the
official market price of 229,545, 450,000 and 585,720 notional shares, respectively,
above or below an initial reference price of US$ 15.3044, US$ 15.8483 and US$ 15.9616,
respectively, per share upon close-out of any transaction. The equity swap transactions
do not contemplate interim payments of appreciation or depreciation of the shares, and
the Master Fund is not entitled to any dividends on the shares or equivalent thereof.
All balances will be cash settled, and neither party shall acquire any ownership
interest, voting or similar rights, or dispositive power over any Share under the
equity swap transactions. Each equity swap transaction may be closed out by the Master
Fund at any time.

On January 17, 2008, the Special Fund entered into three equity swap
transactions with Monecor (London) Limited (t/a TradIndex) (“TradIndex”)
effective on January 17, 2008, January 28, 2008 and January 29, 2008, respectively,
under which TradIndex agreed to pay the Special Fund an amount equal to any increase,
and the Special Fund agreed to pay TradIndex an amount equal to any decrease, in the
official market price of 320,455, 300,000 and 390,480 notional shares, respectively,
above or below an initial reference price of US$ 15.3044, US$ 15.8483 and US$ 15.9616,
respectively, per share upon close-out of any transaction. The equity swap transactions
provide for the payment by the Special Fund to TradIndex of an upfront commission based
on the number of shares transacted. The equity swap transactions do not contemplate
interim payments of appreciation or depreciation of the shares, and the Special Fund is
not entitled to any dividends on the shares or equivalent thereof. All balances will be
cash settled, and neither party shall acquire any ownership interest, voting or similar
rights, or dispositive power over any Shares under the equity swap transactions. Each
equity swap transaction may be closed out by the Special Fund at any time.

On January 25, 2008, the HCP Funds and Firebrand formed Harbinger NY. As
of the date hereof, the HCP Funds are the “Class A-1 Members” of Harbinger
NY and Firebrand is the “Class B-1 Member” of Harbinger NY. Firebrand has
agreed to transfer five percent of the Class B-1 membership interests in Harbinger NY
to each of the Nominees other than Mr. Galloway. Pursuant to the terms of
the

CUSIP No. 650111107

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limited liability company agreement of Harbinger NY (the “LLC
Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit C, each member of Harbinger NY, with the
approval of the Class A-1 Members, may make capital contributions with respect to
particular investments. The Class A-1 Members will allocate capital contributions
amongst themselves and approve capital contributions by the Class B-1 Members such that
the Master Fund shall at all times be entitled to at least 50% of all distributions and
allocations. Each HCP Fund has the exclusive right of every kind to control and bind
Harbinger NY with respect to investments of capital contributions to Harbinger NY
attributable to such person. Firebrand has the exclusive right of every kind to control
and bind Harbinger NY with respect to investments of capital contributions to Harbinger
NY attributable to the Class B-1 Members. Other than as set forth above, Harbinger NY
is managed by the Master Fund. The HCP Funds have the right to consult with Firebrand
and Mr. Galloway with respect to the investment of their capital contributions to
Harbinger NY, and Firebrand and Mr. Galloway have agreed to provide such
consulting services. With respect to particular investments, the quarterly consulting
compensation payable to Firebrand by the HCP Funds will be the lesser of $25,000 and
0.125% of the average fair market value of such investment made by Harbinger NY with
capital contributions from the Class A-1 Members. With respect to the distribution of
investment proceeds, amounts apportioned to the Class B-1 Members are distributed to
such Class B-1 Members. Amounts apportioned to the Class A-1 Members are distributed to
such Class A-1 Members and Class B-1 Members as follows: first to the Class A-1
Members, up to the amount of their respective capital contributions (less previous
distributions), then to the Class B-1 Members (in such proportion as may be specified
by Firebrand with the consent of the Master Fund), until the cumulative past and
present distributions made to the Class B-1 Members are equal to 10% of the net profits
(less certain expenses) realized by the HCP Funds (and/or any of their affiliates) and
Harbinger NY, and then the remainder to the Class A-1 Members.

Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

Exhibit A:

Notice of Nomination

Exhibit B:

Letter to the Issuer

Exhibit C:

The LLC Agreement

Exhibit D:

Joint Filing Agreement

Exhibit E:

Transactions in the Class A Common Stock ($0.10
par value per share)

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SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I
certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and
correct.